Bowdoin College

Brunswick, ME · Private · 1,873 undergrads

Admit rate: 7.1% (10,966 applicants)
SAT middle 50%: 1470–1550 (ACT 33–35)
Undergraduates: 1,873 (6.8% international)
Average net price: $14,398 (per year after aid)
Graduation rate: 95% (within 6 years)

Deadlines

Early Decision: Nov. 15, 2026
Early Decision II: Jan. 5, 2027
Regular Decision: Jan. 5, 2027

Essays

The Offer of the College (optional) (250 words)

Generations of students have found connection and meaning in Bowdoin's "The Offer of the College," written in 1906 by Bowdoin President William DeWitt Hyde. To be at home in all lands and all ages; To count Nature a familiar acquaintance, and Art an intimate friend; To gain a standard for the appreciation of others' work And the criticism of your own; To carry the keys of the world's library in your pocket, And feel its resources behind you in whatever task you undertake; To make hosts of friends...who are to be leaders in all walks of life; To lose yourself in generous enthusiasms and cooperate with others for common ends - This is the offer of the college for the best four years of your life. Which line from The Offer resonates most with you?

Navigating through differences (optional) (250 words)

Bowdoin believes that its broadly diverse and inclusive campus community prepares graduates to be contributing and useful citizens of the world. Every graduate of this institution should be confident in their preparation to be able to navigate through differences and in all sorts of situations. A Bowdoin education does not guarantee these skills, but it does impart a set of tools necessary to bravely enter unfamiliar conditions with the confidence to deal effectively with ambiguity. If you wish, you may share anything about the unique experiences and perspectives that you would bring with you to the Bowdoin campus and community or an experience you have had that required you to navigate across or through difference.

Editor's notes

Treat the optional pieces as part of the application. Bowdoin's essays, interview and video response are all optional, and its CDS rates the essay very important while the interview is only considered. The 250-word Offer essay is the one place you tell Bowdoin why Bowdoin.
Your third recommendation is a real choice. Bowdoin lets the 'other' letter come from a coach, employer or community member who can describe your contributions outside class. Pick the person who adds something your teachers can't.
Test scores are rated only 'considered' in Bowdoin's CDS, and 46% of the Class of 2030 applied without them. Send scores if they help your file. You can change your mind up to the deadline.
Bowdoin is need-blind and meets full need with no loans, so don't let price keep it off your list. The application fee is waived automatically if you apply for aid.